Santa Barbara: Coast, Islands and Wine Country

Santa Barbara brings together coastal parks, island landscapes, wine country and cultural history. The differences are reflected in the scenery and the experiences available: some beaches offer activities such as swimming or fishing; visiting the islands involves its own travel arrangements and restrictions.

Coastal Parks and Routes into the Hinterland

Point Sal State Beach, in the northwest of Santa Barbara County, offers views of the coast, beach and rugged mountain slopes. Typical coastal sage scrub and chaparral communities grow on the slopes; fishing is possible there. Public access is via Brown Road. As access conditions may change, check them before your visit. Motor vehicles and bicycles are not permitted at Point Sal State Beach, and camping is not allowed.

At El Capitán State Beach, the landscape is shaped by sandy shores, rocky tide pools and stands of sycamore trees. Swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping are possible there. The beach is 17 miles west of Santa Barbara and can be reached via Highway 101, Exit 117.

Gaviota State Park offers a different experience: surfing is possible here, and hiking and multi-use trails lead through oak woodlands into the chaparral hinterland. There are also natural sulfur springs. This means the coastal destinations offer a mix of activities on the water, trails through varied landscapes and another natural feature.

Island Landscapes and Special Access Requirements

Planning a trip to Channel Islands National Park includes arranging transportation: the park can only be reached by boat or aircraft operated by park concessionaires, or by private boat. There is no transportation on the islands; visitors get around on foot, by kayak or by private boat. As access rules may change, check the current information for your planned trip.

Santa Cruz Island in Santa Barbara County is the only place in the world where the Island Scrub-Jay occurs. Guided sea kayaking tours are offered at Scorpion Anchorage; there is no kayak rental on the island. Basic camping is available at Scorpion Canyon Campground, which has 31 sites; reservations are required.

Swimming, diving, snorkeling and kayaking are possible on Santa Barbara Island; the island also offers good opportunities for wildlife viewing. There are no lifeguards. Keep this restriction in mind when planning water activities.

Wine Country and Cultural History

Santa Barbara County is home to seven federally recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). The Santa Maria region is the northernmost AVA in Santa Barbara Wine Country. Several tour operators offer guided tours of Santa Barbara wine country, with transportation to the Santa Ynez Valley. In downtown Santa Barbara, the Urban Wine Trail can be explored on foot. This gives visitors a choice between a walkable wine trail in the city and guided tours with transportation to the Santa Ynez Valley.

La Purísima Mission State Historic Park also offers a glimpse into the area's history: the site was home to the Chumash for thousands of years. The park offers public guided tours along an approximately one-mile historic loop featuring mission buildings and outdoor areas. A tour lasts about 90 minutes. The visitor center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; check opening hours and tour dates before your visit.

Dunes and Seasonal Closures

Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve includes 550-foot-high dunes, described as the tallest on the West Coast, as well as the Santa Maria River estuary. Part of the preserve is closed from March 1 through October 1 to protect the habitat of the breeding and nesting western snowy plover. Check these closure dates before your trip.

The most popular hike in the preserve follows the ocean south to Mussel Point/Rock. Deep sand can make the hike strenuous.

Discover more destinations: Solvang, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Goleta, Lompoc, Buellton, Santa Ynez, Los Alamos, Montecito, Los Olivos, Mission Canyon, Mission Hills, Toro Canyon.

For the main travel overview: California.